The defense relations between India and Russia are a long-standing relationship that has stood the test of time and global geopolitical changes.
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| India Russia Defence Ties |
Both nations are determined to increase the level of defense cooperation even though the US is exerting pressure.
The most important points of the India-Russia Defense cooperation are the following:
Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership: India and Russia enjoy a special and privileged strategic alliance, defence cooperation has become one of the pillars of the relationship.
Joint Military Exercises: The two countries also hold regular joint military exercises like the INDRA exercise to improve interoperability and strategic coordination of the armed forces.
Defence Equipment: Russia is also one of the major defence suppliers to India and has supplied advanced military equipment, such as the S-400 air defence system, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, and AK-203 assault rifles.
Joint Production and Technology Transfer: India and Russia have engaged in a number of joint production opportunities, including the BrahMos missile system and the Su-30 MKI fighter-jet. Russia too has accepted to share technology with India in making defense equipments.
Recent Developments:
S-400 Delivery- Russia intends to ship the remaining units of S-400 to India as early as 2026-2027, regardless of the US pressure.
Defense Cooperation Agreement: India and Russia reaffirm commitment towards increased bilateral defense cooperation, particularly through joint research, development and production of state-of-the-art defense technologies and defense systems.
US Sanctions: The US has threatened to punish India by imposing sanctions against the purchase of Russian defense equipment such as the S-400 air defense system.
Benefits and Challenges:
Advantages: India-Russia defense alliance will not only open India to cutting-edge military technology and equipment, but it will also encourage research and development.
Problems: The joint venture is under pressure and sanctions of the US, and is also struggling with India trying to diversify its defense purchases and overdependence on Russia.
More About Ties Benefits
The defense relationship between India and Russia has been the foundation of their strategic relationship, and many benefits have accrued to the two nations. Here are some key advantages:
India-Russia Defense Ties have the following advantages:
There is Availability of state-of-the-art Military Technology: Russia has supplied India with the latest military gear, including the S-400 missile defence system and BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
Joint Research and Development: India and Russia are engaged in joint research and development activities, such as the BrahMos missile system, which contributes to their defense.
Technology Transfer: Russia sells some technology to India so that it can make some of its own equipment, including the Su-30 MKI fighter jets and tank, the T-90.
Joint Production: The two nations have been engaged in the joint production of defence equipment such as the AK-203 assault rifles and Ka-226T helicopters.
Improved Interoperability: Periodic bilateral military drills like Exercise INDRA enhance interoperability and strategic coordination amongst their military forces.
Strategic Autonomy: The joint venture enables India to retain its strategic autonomy and diversify its purchase of defense equipment, instead of relying on a single supplier.
Benefit to both sides: The military relationship between the two nations is mutually advantageous as Russia acquires an influential partner in the Asia-Pacific area and India can access high-tech military hardware.
Key Projects:
BrahMos Missile System: BrahMos is a joint venture between India and Russia and is a supersonic cruise missile in several variants that the Indian armed forces use.
Su-30 MKI fighter jet: India and Russia are partners in the manufacture of Su-30 MKI fighter jet; more than 270 fighter jets are produced in-country under a Russian licence.
S-400 Air Defense System: India has bought S-400 air defense system which has improved their air defense.
Indian Assault Rifle, AK-203: The Russian AK-203 is a joint venture with India that is expected to produce more than 750,000 rifles to be used by the Indian Armed Forces.
More About Ties Challenges
Defense relations between India and Russia are experiencing various challenges such as:
Sanctions by the US: The US has sanctioned India on its acquisition of Russian defense equipments such as the S-400 air defense. The recent 50 percent tariff on Indian products has further put pressure on the relations between India and the US.
Trade Imbalances: India is a country whose trade deficit with Russia is increasing at a large rate because of the growing oil imports by Russia. This poses a challenge to rupee-rouble trade and strains the Indian economy.
Ukraine Conflict: The current war in Ukraine has affected the capacity of Russia to sustain the supply of military equipment, leaving India in the dark.
Indian Diversification in Defense Imports: India is reducing its dependence on imports of defense from Russia which has reduced the orders with Russia. Such a change is fueled by the fact that India is keen on not being reliant on any one supplier.
Poor After Sales Services: India has complained that Russia is not providing good after sales services and maintenance which impacts the entire defense relationship.
Deepening Russia-China Proximity: Russia is becoming progressively closer to China, which is of significant concern to India, since the relationship between India and China is complicated.
Interoperability Problems: Interoperability between the Indian and Russian forces has deteriorated and joint exercises are either delayed or cancelled.
Less Military-to-Military Interaction: There is a reduction in the level and frequency of military activities between India and Russia, which is an indication of reduced military-to-military interaction.
Russian Equipment Reliance: India has been relying extensively on Russian defense equipment, something that poses strategic vulnerability and restricts its options in diversifying its relationships with defense partners.
Effect of International Sanctions: International sanctions against Russia threaten the ability of Russia to deliver its defense equipment to India, making it uncertain and difficult to plan defense in India.
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